By the Numbers: Ron Hextall and the Lasting Legacy of #27

The number “27” has passed through plenty of Flyers hands over the years, but for many fans, it instantly brings one person to mind: Ron Hextall. Gritty, intense, and impossible to ignore, Hextall didn’t just guard the crease—he charged into it like he had something to prove every single night. And in doing so, he gave number “27” a whole new life in Philadelphia.

27: The Rookie Season That Felt Like a Movie

If you lived through it, you remember. Hextall burst onto the NHL scene in 1986–87 and immediately looked like he’d been playing under playoff pressure for years. He attacked shooters, challenged rushes, and had that unmistakable fire that made teammates rally and opponents hesitate. By spring, he wasn’t just a standout rookie—he was the Vezina winner and the Conn Smythe recipient, even after the Flyers fell just short in a seven-game Final against Edmonton. How often does a rookie goalie steal the entire league’s attention? Not often. Hextall did it with style and pure determination.

27: A Goalie Who Didn’t Stay in His Lane

Part of the fun of watching Hextall was never quite knowing what he’d do next. Most goalies stayed put; he treated the crease more like a suggestion. He handled the puck better than some defensemen, took chances few netminders would dare try, and eventually became the first goalie to score by actually shooting the puck into an empty net. Then he did it again in the playoffs. It wasn’t showboating—it was confidence, timing, and a willingness to tilt the ice whenever he saw an opening.

27: A Flyer Goalie From Head to Toe

Statistics don’t always tell the whole story, but in Hextall’s case, they back up the legend. He left Philadelphia as the franchise’s all-time leader in games played and wins by a goalie, and yes, he also piled up more penalty minutes than any Flyers netminder before or since. That mix of toughness and talent fit perfectly with the team’s identity. Fans didn’t just respect Hextall—they connected with him. He played with the same edge they brought to the rink night after night.

Why #27 Still Hits Home

Sure, other Flyers have worn jersey number “27”, but Hextall stamped his personality all over it. Today, the number still sparks memories of sprawling saves, fearless puck races, and that unmistakable competitive streak that made him a fan favourite. He gave Flyers fans something they could feel—energy, pride, and a goalie who fought as hard as the city he represented.

Ron Hextall didn’t just support the Flyers crest. He charged into the spotlight, reshaped expectations, and turned “27” into a number that Flyers fans still talk about with a grin.